"Run away from youthful lusts--pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those [believers] who call on the Lord of a pure heart. But have nothing to do with foolish and ignorant speculations [useless disputes over unedifying, stupid controversies], since you know that they produce strife and give birth to quarrels." -2 Timothy 2:22-23
" As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion]." -
Proverbs 27:17
"Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], Nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers). But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted [and fed] by streams of water, Which yield its fruit in its season; Its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers [and comes to maturity]." - Psalms 1:1-3
"Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, [that special endowment] which was intentionally bestowed on you [by the Holy Spirit] ... Practice and work hard on these things; be absorbed in them [completely occupied in your ministry] so that your progress will be evident to all. "Pay close attention to yourself [concentrate on your personal development] and to your teaching; persevere in these things [hold to them], for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you." -
1 Timothy 4:14-16